In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz welcomes back sponsor and returning guest Amanda Walczyk, a licensed mortgage agent at Saltbox Mortgages. Together, Cher and Amanda share updates from the real estate and mortgage markets, break down current financial trends affecting homeowners, and reflect on takeaways from a recent women’s financial conference. This episode focuses on strategies for navigating mortgage renewals, consolidating debt, and taking control of your financial future with practical and approachable advice. Amanda brings her deep knowledge and warmth to conversations that are often stressful, and Cher compliments this with real talk from the housing market.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [01:29] Amanda shares that interest rates are finally coming down, but most mortgage renewals are more complex now due to additional debts, car loans, and renovations added during COVID.
• [02:07] Many clients are seeing $400+ increases in monthly payments, Amanda explains why it’s crucial to plan renewals at least 90 days in advance.
• [06:30] Amanda introduces OwnWell, a personalized monthly report for clients that shows their equity, payoff progress, and opportunities to save on their current mortgage.
• [07:47] Cher and Amanda discuss the benefits of 30-year amortizations and the power of being in control of your cash flow rather than being overwhelmed by multiple high-interest payments.
• [17:55] Cher breaks down her current approach to setting realistic price expectations in today’s housing market and how she helped clients successfully sell their homes this year.
• [22:31] Cher highlights the importance of managing days-on-market for listings and shares how her pricing and marketing strategies outperformed local medians.
• [26:17] Real estate tip: buyers should explore listings slightly above their budget, sellers are increasingly open to negotiation and price drops.
• [27:57] Amanda and Cher recap key insights from a recent women's investment conference, including the importance of understanding different investment tiers and tools like TFSAs and RRSPs.
• [37:40] Amanda advises clients to move cryptocurrency investments out of crypto platforms 90+ days before using funds for a down payment.
• [40:55] Final takeaway: Financial literacy is power. Amanda and Cher urge listeners to learn one new thing, start a conversation, and reach out for help without shame.

This episode is full of empowering insights and practical tools for navigating your finances and real estate decisions with clarity and confidence. Tune in to hear Amanda and Cher’s expert perspectives and stories from the field!

Connect with Amanda:

Instagram: @saltboxmortgage_agent

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with Ajoa Mintah, chemical engineer turned ice cream entrepreneur and founder of Four All Ice Cream. Ajoa shares her journey from a 15-year engineering career to launching an inclusive ice cream brand built on the values of creativity, science, and community connection. From sourcing A2 milk locally to designing flavours based on her family of four, Ajoa discusses how she’s built an ice cream company that is thoughtful, accessible, and uniquely Waterloo Region. The conversation also highlights her reflections on entrepreneurship, local collaborations, and the joy of serving simple pleasures to all.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [01:47] Ajoa’s career shift from chemical engineering to founding Four All Ice Cream.
• [04:49] The story behind the name “Four All” and how it reflects her family and inclusive values.
• [08:46] How her technical background informs the science of making ice cream, including balancing flavours and textures.
• [11:08] Early obstacles in starting her business, including licensing challenges and finding motivation to keep going.
• [14:20] The evolution of Four All’s retail spaces and how customer connection became her favorite part.
• [17:15] Working with local farms and suppliers to source A2 dairy and create clean-label, gluten-free, and plant-based ice cream.
• [25:32] Unique sourcing stories, like sea buckthorn from a Shakespeare farm and matcha from a student-led venture.
• [28:50] The freedom and satisfaction of entrepreneurship and creating without limits.
• [30:33] Programs like “Behind the Scoop,” advent calendars, and kids’ birthday parties that bring people behind the scenes.
• [34:15] Where to find Four All Ice Cream in KW and beyond, and their goal to expand across Ontario.
• [35:22] Ajoa’s future goals for growth, feeling “unlimited,” and advice for new entrepreneurs: keep talking about your idea.
• [40:54] How community generosity and creativity shape her business, from artist collaborations to local partnerships.
• [42:54] Social content initiatives like Free Scoop Friday and reflections on being based in Waterloo Region.
• [45:17] Stories of community support during the pandemic and local businesses she loves collaborating with.

This episode is a heartfelt look at how passion, science, and community come together to build a business that truly serves everyone, one scoop at a time.

Connect with Ajoa:

Instagram: @fourallicecream

Website: shop.fourall.ca2

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz welcomes Destiny Moser, founder and executive chef of FoodZen. After 17 years in the tech industry managing mergers and acquisitions, Destiny pivoted during the pandemic to launch a personal chef and pre-made meal service rooted in Indigenous values. As a working mother of three, she’s built a business focused on making whole, locally sourced food accessible to busy families while advocating for greater awareness of what true Canadian food means. Destiny shares her passion for sustainable eating, cultural reconnection, and community collaboration through food.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [04:22] How FoodZen began by solving her own family’s food challenges.
• [06:34] The FoodZen approach: from reducing waste to offering customizable, sustainable meal options.
• [09:09] What sets FoodZen apart: following Indigenous food philosophies and cutting out processed ingredients.
• [11:08] The role of hyperlocal, ultra-seasonal eating and surprising local ingredients like sumac.
• [15:07] Challenges of sourcing Indigenous foods due to colonial laws and limited access in urban areas.
• [20:02] Why rethinking industrial farming and supporting Indigenous food systems matters for sustainability.
• [24:06] Barriers in marketing and misconceptions about meal delivery services.
• [29:10] Introducing FoodZen’s kids’ meal program - nutrition-packed versions of childhood favorites.
• [37:15] Upcoming programs and FoodZen’s teaching kitchen launching in May 2025.
• [43:31] Destiny’s mission to remove the label “exotic” from Indigenous foods in Canadian legislation.
• [45:55] Why Waterloo Region’s access to farmers and markets is ideal for hyperlocal cooking.

Connect with Destiny:

Instagram: @foodzen.ca

Website: foodzen.ca

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cheryl Goetz sits down with Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet, host of The Community Podcast, and co-creator of High Vibe Women. Kristina shares how her social media side hustle evolved into a full-service digital agency rooted in community, connection, and authenticity. From building massive business momentum to navigating the messy middle of entrepreneurship, she opens up about what really fuels long-term success. With real talk, humour, and tons of wisdom, this episode is packed with insight for anyone growing a business in Waterloo Region, or beyond.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [04:33] How a few early coaching clients and a friend stepping away from her agency unexpectedly sparked the birth of The Social Snippet.
• [05:28] Kristina’s creation of High Vibe Women, a powerful in-person and online community that brings ambitious women together to connect, expand, and grow.
• [10:33] The honest side of entrepreneurship: navigating people-pleasing, burnout, failed partnerships, and why business is personal growth in disguise.
• [21:35] What makes The Social Snippet different, why they won’t run your account for you, and how focusing on community over virality builds real trust and sales.
• [27:10] Kristina’s top hot takes on social media, including why weird job titles, inconsistent bios, and vague business descriptions hurt your brand.
• [33:16] The myth of needing to show up like everyone else online, and why being yourself consistently is still the most powerful strategy.
• [40:32] What’s next: expanding High Vibe Women to new cities and the dream of seeing more female-founded businesses hit 7-figures.

Kristina’s journey is a testament to building with intention, showing up with heart, and being bold enough to do things differently. Whether it’s leading with relationships, investing in the right rooms, or staying rooted in your “why,” her approach proves that community isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the strategy.

Special Offer:

• Visit thesocialbusinessclub.ca and use code PODCAST to get your first month for $1 CDN.
• If you have big podcast dreams, Kristina would love to offer you 10% off your podcast launch, just tell her Cher sent you!

Connect with Kristina:

Instagram: @kristina.bartold

Website: www.thesocialsnippet.com/

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cheryl Goetz sits down with Kitchener-born Sandra — a first-generation Portuguese Canadian, foodie, and the creator of Fearless Cookin’ and Pragmatic Consulting. Sandra shares how personal health challenges and a love of flavour launched her clean spice blend business, while her passion for problem-solving in sales led to a second venture helping businesses grow with strategy and heart. With deep local roots, Sandra is bringing bold spices and big impact to the community, without compromising her values or pace.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:45] How Fearless Cookin’ started with an Instagram page, a few seasoning blends, and a push from friends, and why Sandra chose to grow it slowly and intentionally.
• [07:59] The hidden additives in store-bought seasonings and how Sandra’s blends fill a clean, flavourful gap in the spice industry.
• [13:31] Why “Rub-A-Dub-Dub” is the go-to blend for BBQ lovers, and how to turn it into a paste with maple syrup or honey for ribs, chops, steak and more.
• [15:48] How Sandra’s Portuguese roots and family traditions influenced the flavours and stories behind blends like Casa Portuguesa.
• [25:30] The power of slowing down: how Sandra is shifting from digital hustle to intentional in-person connection through cooking and community.
• [35:11] Sandra’s second business, Pragmatic Consulting, helps small businesses and seed-stage startups organize their sales systems and grow with purpose.
• [46:08] Why she’s choosing to build deep roots in Waterloo Region, and how the local support system fuels both of her ventures.

Sandra’s story is a reminder that building a business, and a life, doesn’t have to be rushed. By choosing quality over quantity, community over noise, and values over speed, she’s created two ventures that are as grounded as they are growing.

Special Offer: Use the code "ATHOME20" for 20% off your purchase from Fearless Cookin’

Connect with Sandra:

Instagram: @fearlesscookin

Website: fearlesscookin.com

LinkedIn: Pragmatic Consulting

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cheryl Goetz sits down with Brittany Schmidt, a psychic medium, energy healer, and subconscious mind coach. Brittany shares her path from working in finance and real estate to stepping fully into her intuitive gifts. She opens up about her early spiritual experiences, her transition into mediumship, and the blend of science and spirituality that guides her work today. The conversation covers Reiki, sound bowl healing, subconscious mind coaching, and the importance of authenticity and self-care in both business and life.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:21] Brittany’s transition from a career in finance and real estate to mediumship and energy work.
• [05:30] Personal stories of intuitive experiences from childhood and adulthood that shaped her journey.
• [12:59] A clear explanation of Reiki, including the differences between Usui Reiki and Holy Fire Reiki.
• [21:25] How sound bowl healing works and why Brittany combines it with Reiki for deeper results.
• [23:00] Coaching practices that help women reconnect with their voice, intuition, and empowered selves.
• [28:55] Practical tips for starting a spiritual journey, from setting intentions to recognizing intuitive “glimmers.”
• [42:03] How to tell the difference between intuition and anxiety, with examples from Brittany’s own practice.

This episode offers practical insights into mediumship, energy healing, and the power of living authentically. Tune in to hear Brittany’s story and how she helps others connect with their intuition and create more balance in life.

Connect with Brittany:

Instagram: @itsbrittanybewitched

Website: http://www.brittanyschmidt.ca

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cheryl Goetz sits down with Tanya Thompson, the founder of Thompson Soap Co., to discuss her inspiring transition from the corporate world to natural product creation. Tanya shares how becoming a mother sparked her awareness about everyday toxins, ultimately leading her to create a line of all-natural soaps, body oils, and household products. From inspiring soap-making classes at Little City Farm, Tanya walks us through how she’s intentionally crafted a life—and business—rooted in sustainability and wellness. The conversation covers her love for slow living, the challenges and rewards of small business ownership, and how she’s built a local brand that prioritizes intention, quality, and connection.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [02:51] Tanya’s path from the hair industry to logistics to founding Thompson Soap Co.
• [05:45] How motherhood sparked a lifestyle change and the beginning of her soap-making journey.
• [08:22] Living intentionally: growing her own herbs, raising chickens, and embracing the homestead lifestyle.
• [11:15] The challenges of entrepreneurship and putting yourself out there as a small business owner.
• [14:50] What makes her product line unique—including compostable packaging and locally grown botanicals.
• [21:49] The joy of connecting with customers and getting product feedback at local markets.
• [39:40] Tips for starting a more natural lifestyle, from switching soap to growing herbs at home.

Tune in to hear how Tanya has built a business that reflects her values and encourages others to slow down, be intentional, and embrace a more natural way of living—one bar of soap at a time.

Special Offer: Use the code "ATHOME" for 15% off your purchase from Thompson Soap Co.

Connect with Tanya:

Instagram: @thompsonsoapco

Website: www.thompsonsoap.com/

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co

In this episode of At Home in Waterloo Region, Cher Goetz sits down with returning guest and sponsor Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent at Saltbox Mortgage, for a cozy conversation full of laughs, mortgage insight, and real talk. Between bites of chocolate chip cookies, the two dive into unique mortgage products, lessons learned in their careers, and their personal lives—from irrational fears to guilty pleasure TV shows. Amanda shares some eye-opening mortgage strategies and shines a light on why working with a broker can provide options and support you won’t find at a bank.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• [01:58] Amanda introduces Fraction, a unique mortgage product with no payments for up to five years and explains scenarios where it's especially helpful—like spousal buyouts or funding a new business.
• [06:49] The importance of having an exit strategy with any mortgage product and how brokers help guide clients through it.
• [07:38] Amanda outlines home warranty mortgage products offered by certain broker-partnered banks—covering everything from HVAC to plumbing, often free the first year.
• [10:04] Post-closing support: Amanda’s 12-month email campaign teaching clients how to shave years off their mortgage.
• [12:25] Why mortgage rate isn’t everything—real-world example of a client almost breaking their term within three months.
• [15:35] Amanda shares her surprising background in psychology, forensics, and wrestling!
• [24:19] Fun, personal reflections on being Aquarius, irrational fears (needles and manhole covers!), and peaceful Sunday routines.
• [42:53] What’s lighting Amanda up in life and business—finally settling into her forever home, seeing client systems click, and feeling reconnected to her work and life balance.

This episode is both informative and delightfully relatable, covering everything from financial empowerment to failed basil plants and hidden talents. Whether you're mortgage-curious or just in for a good conversation, this one is packed with gems.

Connect with Amanda:

Instagram: saltboxmortgage_agent

Let's Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/at.home.co
Website: www.athomecompany.ca
Email Community: https://athomeco.myflodesk.com/podcast
Contact: hello@athomecompany.ca

Thank you to our Sponsors:

• Amanda Walczyk, Mortgage Agent | Level 2 license at Dominion Lending Centres National Ltd, FSRA #12360
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltboxmortgage_agent
Contact: Amanda@saltboxmortgages.com
519.497.9256

• Den1880
Website: https://www.den1880.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/den1880.co